Retired since October 2023 at the age of 32, Eden Hazard has offered a candid and uncommon perspective on his time at elite clubs and his experience alongside some of the biggest names in world football. The Belgian, who dazzled at Chelsea before signing for Real Madrid, recently spoke on Zack Nani’s podcast about his spell at the Spanish club and his relationship with key teammates such as Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric.

Hazard recalled that his bond with Courtois—with whom he shared dressing rooms at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Belgium national team—was always marked by the goalkeeper’s admiration for other stars. “Courtois always put players like Benzema and Modric ahead of me,” he stated, pointing to the internal hierarchy present both at club and national team level.

When it came to Karim Benzema, the Belgian was full of praise. “Karim was amazing from day one. We talked, we played together… I think he was disappointed with how things turned out for me, but we always had a good relationship,” he revealed, making it clear that despite the circumstances, their personal connection remained strong.

“My contribution wasn’t seen, but it was key”

Reflecting on the Champions League that Real Madrid won during his time at the club, Hazard was straightforward in acknowledging that Courtois and Benzema were the main architects of the triumph. However, he also wanted to highlight his own contribution from a less visible angle. “I contributed to the group atmosphere. People don’t see that, but it’s important. That year was incredible,” he stressed, underlining the role of squad unity as a decisive factor in achieving European glory.

In a moment of self-criticism, the former player admitted that his attacking style, like that of other top forwards, came with certain defensive limitations. “Good attacking players sometimes undermine defensive efforts. I’m one of them. I’ve played with Karim Benzema, and I can tell you he didn’t always make all the physical efforts either,” he reflected, showing a realistic view of what it means to compete at the highest level.

Hazard’s statements paint a more human picture of life at football’s elite, where talent, internal hierarchies, and group chemistry combine to shape a team’s success. Although his numbers at Real Madrid did not meet expectations, the Belgian insists that his influence in the dressing room was part of the machinery that allowed the club to conquer Europe once again.